entertainment

Salma Hayek has some kick-arse ideas about tackling sexism in Hollywood.

It’s simple, really. Show them the money.

Actress Salma Hayek has shared some choice words on tackling sexism in Hollywood.

When asked how Hollywood could be convinced to create more space for women in the film industry, she said the answer was simple: “Show them we are an economic force.”

“There’s a very simple answer and really a very simple solution,” she said. “You get [men] involved the same way that you get men involved in anything and the only way you can inspire them: Money.”

Hayek made the comments during The Hollywood Reporter’s ‘Women in Motion’ talks at the Cannes Film Festival, where she appeared with co-speaker, fellow actor Matthias Schoenaerts.

She also suggested that many of the industry’s monetary woes could be attributed to its continued disregard for women — both as producers and consumers.

“The movie is industry is in trouble because we don’t care about their movies, and they’re trying to figure out why,” she said. “What would happen if there was an open door, and somebody started doing movies that we want to see? Chick flicks, romantic comedies? Guess what? We’re smarter than that.

Salma Hayek knows what she’d rather be watching. Image via Instagram.

“We are successful, we work, we make our own money and we are a very strong consumer.”

The 38-year-old also addressed the gender-based wage disparities which continue to plague the industry and see its highest paid actresses, such as Jennifer Lawrence, being paid far less than her male co-stars.

“The sad thing is the only two industries where women make more than men are fashion and pornography,” she said.

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She also pointed out the in many cases leading actors often have a say in who gets cast opposite them in leading female roles. “Already they don’t pay us the same!” she said. “It should be the director’s choice, not the actor’s choice. The fact that he has a say who he gets to kiss or not — I find that very sexist.”

We couldn’t agree with you more, Salma.

You watch the discussion in full here.

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